The KOYLI Light Infantry and Rifles
Regimental Association

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr Garry Robinson, Late KOYLI and 2LI, who died on the 26th June 2026 at the age of 84. Garry served with the KOYLI and then in 2LI and attained the rank of Serjeant. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Garry's wife, family and friends during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you as you cope with this significant loss. As the bugle sounds 'No More Parades' and you take your place in

The life and courage of Charles Burley Ward VC, KOYLI’s first Victoria Cross recipient in 1900, which was also the last VC presented by Queen Victoria, were commemorated in Leeds on Friday 10 July, marking 150 years since his birth. The event was organised by local historian and researcher Mr Ronnie Walsh, whose work has helped bring renewed attention to Charles’s story. Family members travelled from across the country and were joined by civic, military and Association repre

Members are reminded that the window for booking tickets for our Association closes at 1700 on 29 Sep 26. The Association has been allocated a limited number of tickets. If you want to apply for a ticket to participate in the parade and meet the eligibility criteria listed below, please email the Association Secretary at assnsecyorkshire@the-rifles.co.uk with your full name as shown in your passport and your email address. Tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first-

Association members interested in participating in the Doncaster parade, whether by marching or requesting a seat on the bus for those unable to walk the distance, should reach out to the Doncaster events team via the provided email address, including their name and contact information. Doncaster.events@doncaster.gov.uk

Robert Smith and Colin Cranswick travelled to the Royal Hospital Chelsea for the Governor’s Review, held ahead of Founder’s Day. Despite torrential rain before the parade, the weather cleared as the Chelsea Pensioners marched on. Afterwards, Robert and Colin met KOYLI in-patient Phil Watkins before visiting Tony “Big Mac” McLaughlin, a former Bugle Major who had served with Colin in the 2nd Light Infantry Band and Bugles. Colin Cranswick, Phil Watkins KOYLI, and Rob Smith at

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr Ian Edward (Eddie) Hovell, late RGJ, 8LI, KOYY(LI), who died on the 16th May 2026 at the age of 80. Known as Eddie, he served as a Regular serviceman in the RGJ as a Regimental Chef. He later joined the Territorial Army, capbadged to the Army Catering Corps, attached to 8LI, and subsequently the KOYY(LI), as the cook sergeant. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Eddie's family, friends, and those who served with

With deep sadness, I inform all Association members of the passing of Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Chris Deedes, a distinguished and esteemed officer, who passed away on 2 April 2026 in France, where he had resided for several years. Throughout his notable career, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Chris Deedes served with numerous units, including 2LI, and was the inaugural Commanding Officer of 8LI. In this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Lieutenant Colonel (Retd

Saturday, 16 May 2026, Swarcliffe, Leeds. Today, we had the honour and privilege of meeting and conversing with Pte John Heald 2KOYLI, who is 100 years young. At the age of 20, John fought with 2KOYLI during the assault on Malaya in August 1945, and underwent training in the Mysore jungles for this purpose. John came to the attention of the Association Secretary through Royal British Legion member Jeff Gantschuk, who attended John's 100th birthday in December 2025. Jeff was s

On the 86th Anniversary of the Battle at Vist, Chairman of the Friends of Hustad Farm, Leif Kibsgaard, laid the KOYLI wreath at this year's annual memorial service at Hustad Church. A minute's silence was followed by the national anthems of both countries. In 2022, Captain (Retd) Dickie and Pippa Dutton, along with Standard Bearer Colin Cranswick, made the trip to Norway for the memorial service at Hustad Farm. It was during that visit and stay with Paul and Brit Kiddell that

The annual Eden Camp All Services Parade and Service of Remembrance will take place here at the museum on Sunday, 13th September 2026. The format and timings will be the same as in previous years: the museum will be open free to veterans and serving members and their husbands/wives/partners/carers/chauffeurs and Cadet groups from 10.00 am, the parade will assemble at 2.10 pm for the march to the Heritage Hall Display arena at 2.30 pm. The Yorkshire Volunteers Band will lead t

SATURDAY 13 JUNE, 11AM - 12PM at the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum a newly created Curator talk about ‘The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in the Second World War’. It tells the story of some of the major actions for the regiment 1939-45, through objects, photographs and oral histories from our collection, as well additional material from other repositories and museums. The link to buy tickets on our website is here: Curator Talk: The KOYLI in the Second World War

On Sunday, 12 April 2026, Philip and Christopher Knight attended a commemoration at Arnhem City Hall to mark the 81st anniversary of the city’s liberation. They represented the Association and the memory of their grandfather, Fred Adamson KOYLI, who took part in the battle and died in 2025 aged 105. The ceremony recalled Operation Anger, when the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, the “Polar Bears”, entered Arnhem on 12 April 1945. With Canadian support, the city centre wa

It is with deep sorrow that I announce to all Association members the passing of Colonel (Retd) Charles Gerald Delany, affectionately known as Gerry, a distinguished and respected individual, who died at home on 29 March 2026. His loss leaves a significant void in the hearts of those who knew and admired him, as well as in the broader community that benefited from his dedication and service. During this challenging time, we offer our sincere condolences to Gerry's family and

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr Michael Lee Frost, Late LI(TA), who died on the 18th March 2026 at the age of 63. Michael served in the LI (TA); he may also have served in one of the regular LI Battalions. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael's family and friends during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you as you cope with this significant loss. As thIe bugle sounds 'No More Parades' and you take your p

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr Peter Darrian Flint, Late KOYLI and LI, who died on the 13th March 2026 at the age of 78. Peter served with the KOYLI and LI and attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Peter's family and friends during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you as you cope with this significant loss. As the bugle sounds 'No More Parades' and you take your pla

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr George Neil Blackburn - Late LI Vols and 5LI, who died on the 11th March 2026 at the age of 76. George served with the LI Vols and 5LI and is the brother of Nigel Blackburn. George attained the rank of Corporal. We extend our heartfelt condolences to George's wife, Wendy, his family, and friends during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you as you cope with this significant loss. As

On Saturday, 21 March 2026, a meaningful ceremony took place in St. Lawrence's Church, York , to honor the memory of Lieutenant Robert Abelson Harpley and his family. The event centered on a Choral Matins service and the re-dedication of the Robert Abelson Harpley War Memorial Window, a stained glass tribute that carries deep historical and emotional significance. This blog post explores the background of the memorial, the restoration efforts, and the ceremony that brought to

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With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr John Leslie Beckett - Late KOYLI, who died on the 14th March 2026 at the age of 78. John served with the KOYLI within A Coy and attained the rank of Serjeant alongside of Dave Wroe, Jock Forsyth, Jack Charles, and Skeets Forester. All ranks within the Regiment highly respected him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to John's family and friends during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are w